Sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, which can be slid and rotated from a body housing of the sliding/rotating type mobile terminal. The sliding/rotating type mobile terminal includes a body housing and a slide housing slidably mounted on the body housing. The apparatus comprises first and second hinge frames mounted in the body housing by means of screws, first and second plates, one or more slide bars, and a coupling unit inserted through the center parts of the first and second hinge frames so that the first and second hinge frames are rotatably coupled with each other while being opposite to each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/917,353, filed on Aug. 13, 2004. This application also claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application Serial No.2003-61456, filed on Sep. 3, 2003, Korean Patent Application Serial No.2003-80342, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and Korean Patent Application SerialNo. 2004-28590, filed on Apr. 26, 2004. The entire content of each ofthe aforementioned applications is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a sliding hinge apparatus which can be slid androtated from a body housing of the sliding/rotating type mobileterminal.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, “portable communication devices” describes devices that areportable and enable owners of the devices to perform wirelesscommunications. Such portable communication devices include hand-heldPCs (HHP), CT-2 cellular phones, digital phones, PCS phones, andpersonal digital assistants (PDAs). On the basis of their forms, theportable communication devices can be classified into several types ofportable wireless terminals. For example, portable wireless terminalscan be basically classified as a bar-type wireless terminal, a flip-typewireless terminal, and a folder-type wireless terminal. The bar-typewireless terminal has a bar-type single housing, the flip-type wirelessterminal comprises a bar-type housing and a flip part rotatably attachedto the housing by means of a hinge apparatus, and the folder-typewireless terminal comprises a bar-type housing and a folder partrotatably attached to the housing by means of a hinge apparatus. On thebasis of where or how they are worn, the portable wireless terminals canalso be classified as a necklace-type wireless terminal and a wrist-typewireless terminal. The necklace-type wireless terminal is worn on theneck of a user by means of a string or chain, and the wrist-typewireless terminal is worn on the wrist of the user by means of a wristband.

On the basis of how they are opened or closed, the portable wirelessterminals can be further classified as a rotating-type wireless terminaland a sliding-type wireless terminal. The rotating-type wirelessterminal is characterized in that the two housings are rotatablyconnected to each other while the housings are continuously opposite toeach other. The rotating-type wireless terminal is opened or closed bythe rotation of the two housings in such a manner that the housings arerotated apart from or close to each other. On the other hand, thesliding-type wireless terminal is characterized in that one of twohousings is longitudinally slid relative to the other of the housings.The sliding-type wireless terminal is opened or closed by the slidingmovement of one of the housings in such a manner that the housings areapart from or close to each other. The various types of portablewireless terminals described above are well known and appreciated bythose having an ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventionpertains.

Each conventional portable wireless terminal is indispensably providedwith an antenna unit, data input/output units, and datatransmitting/receiving units. The data input unit usually comprises akeypad with which data is input by means of depressing buttons via theuser's fingers or a stylus. Alternatively, there a touch pad or a touchscreen can be used. The data output unit generally uses an LCD. Theconventional portable communication device is provided with a cameralens so that a user of the device can talk with another user of thedevice while looking at each other, or take pictures of desired subjects

In the sliding-type mobile terminal as described above, one of thehousing pieces (i.e., a slide housing) is slid along the other housing(i.e., a body housing) in the longitudinal direction of the terminal sothat the sliding-type mobile terminal is opened. This feature of thesliding-type mobile terminal fully satisfies users' various changeablepreferences as compared to the conventional folder-type mobile terminal.The slide housing of the sliding-type mobile terminal is slid upward ordownward along the body housing of the sliding-type mobile terminal byapproximately half of the length of the body housing so that thesliding-type mobile terminal is opened.

The body housing of the sliding-type mobile terminal is usually providedwith a keypad comprising a plurality of keys, which are arranged in a3×4 matrix. The slide housing of the sliding-type mobile terminal isusually provided with a liquid crystal display unit.

The slide housing of the sliding-type mobile terminal can be guided onthe body housing of the sliding-type mobile terminal by means of aguiding member. To this end, either the slide housing or the bodyhousing is provided with a guide rib while the other of the slidehousing and the body housing is provided with a guide slit, whichcorresponds to the guide rib. The sliding and body housings are providedat the positions where the sliding-type mobile terminal is fully openedand closed with stoppers so that excessive sliding of the slide housingon the body housing is effectively prevented.

In the conventional sliding/rotating type mobile terminal, however, theliquid crystal display unit is formed in the shape of a rectangle, thelength of which is large in the longitudinal direction of the terminal,so that the size of the liquid crystal display unit is increased inproportion to the external size of the sliding/rotating type mobileterminal. The liquid crystal display unit will be rotated when a widescreen is desired (or necessary) as the liquid crystal display unitextends in the longitudinal direction of the terminal. Consequently, thekeypad rotates along with the terminal, with the result that inputtingdata via the keys is very difficult.

In the case that the liquid crystal display unit is used while theterminal is placed in the longitudinal direction thereof, on the otherhand, the display screen is small. As a result, it is inconvenient for auser to watch TV, moving images, and games on the liquid crystal displayunit of the terminal.

An example of a sliding type mobile terminal is disclosed, for example,in U.S. Pat. No. 10,379,551 (the '551 patent), the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. The sliding type mobileterminal includes a main body, a sub body, a spring module, a slideguide, and a slide groove. In the sliding type mobile terminal of the'551 patent, however, the sub body is merely slid upward and downward,not rotated. Consequently, the liquid crystal display unit disposed onthe sub body is not used in the form of a wide screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the aboveproblem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide asliding hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals,which can be slid and rotated from a body housing of thesliding/rotating type mobile terminal, whereby the usability of themobile terminal is improved.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, which can be slidand rotated so that the body housing and the slide housing are arrangedin the shape of a “T”, whereby the liquid crystal display unit of themobile terminal is used in the form of a wide screen.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the above andother objects can be accomplished by the provision of a sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, each of theterminals comprising a body housing and a slide housing slidably mountedon the body housing, wherein the sliding/hinge apparatus comprises afirst hinge frame mounted in the body housing, a second hinge framedisposed on first hinge frame while the second hinge frame is oppositeto the first hinge frame so that the slide housing is slid and rotatedabout a hinge axis, first and second plates slidably attached to thesecond hinge frame, the first and second plates being fixed to the slidehousing and one or more slide bars disposed between the second hingeframe and the first plate. The sliding/hinge apparatus further comprisesa coupling unit inserted through the center parts of the first andsecond hinge frames so that the first and second hinge frames arerotatably coupled with each other while being opposite to each other.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a sliding hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals, each of the terminals comprising a body housing and a slidehousing slidably mounted on the body housing, wherein the sliding/hingeapparatus comprises a first hinge frame mounted in the body housing, asecond hinge frame having a cylindrical hinge housing inserted throughthe first hinge frame while being opposite to the first hinge frame sothat the slide housing is slid and rotated about a hinge axis, and firstand second plates slidably attached to the second hinge frame, the firstand second plates being fixed to the slide housing. The sliding/hingeapparatus further comprises one or more slide bars disposed between thesecond hinge frame and the first plate, a rotary washer provided betweenthe first and second hinge frames so that the second hinge frame isrotated while being opposite to the first hinge frame and a snap ringconnected to the lower end of the hinge housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals, each of the terminals comprising a body housing and a slidehousing slidably mounted on the body housing, wherein the sliding/hingeapparatus comprises a first hinge frame mounted in the body housing, asecond hinge frame disposed on the first hinge frame while the secondhinge frame is opposite to the first hinge frame so that the slidehousing is slid and rotated about a hinge axis, and a first plateslidably and rotatably attached to the second hinge frame; a secondplate attached to the first plate, the second plate being fixed to thesliding housing; one or more slide bars disposed between the secondhinge frame and the first plate. The sliding/hinge apparatus furthercomprises a guide pin formed at a prescribed position of the first hingeframe and a pin guide hole formed at the first plate, the guide pinbeing disposed in the pin guide hole such that the guide pin is slid androtated.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals, each of the terminals comprising a body housing and a slidehousing slidably mounted on the body housing, wherein the sliding/hingeapparatus comprises a first hinge frame mounted in the body housing asecond hinge frame disposed on the first hinge frame while the secondhinge frame is opposite to the first hinge frame so that the slidehousing is rotated about a hinge axis, first and second plates attachedto the second hinge frame, the first and second plates being providedwith slide bars, respectively, so that the slide housing is slid andfirst and second slide bars attached to both sides of the first platesuch that the second plate is slid between the first and second slidebars. The sliding/hinge apparatus further comprises a guide pin formedat a prescribed position of the first hinge frame such that the guidepin is guided along a guide formed at the second plate.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals, each of the terminals comprising a body housing and a slidehousing slidably mounted on the body housing, wherein the sliding/hingeapparatus comprises a first hinge frame mounted in the body housing, asecond hinge frame disposed on the first hinge frame while the secondhinge frame is opposite to the first hinge frame so that the slidehousing can be rotated about a hinge axis and first and second platesattached to the second hinge frame such that the slide housing can beslid. The sliding/hinge apparatus further comprises a guide unit formedat both sides of the first and second plates such that the second platecan be slid, and a stopper pin formed at a prescribed position of theupper surface of the body housing such that the first and second platescan be slid and rotated, and the slid and rotated first and secondplates can be stopped by means of the stopper pin.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a sliding/rotating type portable communication apparatusincluding a first housing and a second housing adapted to slide whilefacing the first housing, rotate about a predetermined axis, slide inthe rotating direction, and rotate again from the final position afterthe sliding to be folded on the upper surface of the first housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of thepresent invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of asliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge frame of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view showing the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to thefirst preferred embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway side cross-sectional view showing the interior ofthe sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the first preferredembodiment of the present invention in FIG. 1 showing a slide housing ofthe sliding/hinge apparatus slid open;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view showing a hinge frame of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a cutaway side cross-sectional view showing the interior ofthe sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the first preferredembodiment of the present invention in FIG. 1 showing the slide housingof the sliding/hinge apparatus rotated;

FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing the construction of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of asliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge frame of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an assembled perspective view showing the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to thesecond preferred embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the second preferredembodiment of the present invention showing a slide housing of thesliding/hinge apparatus slid open;

FIG. 21 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cutaway perspective view showing a hinge frame of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the second preferredembodiment of the present invention in FIG. 15 showing the slide housingof the sliding/hinge apparatus rotated apart;

FIG. 25 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view showing the construction of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 15;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of asliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a plan view showing the operation of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is an opened plan view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the third preferredembodiment of the present invention showing a slide housing of thesliding/hinge apparatus rotated apart in FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of asliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge frame of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view showing plates of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is an assembled perspective view showing the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to thefourth preferred embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a cutaway plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the fourth preferredembodiment of the present invention in FIG. 32 showing a slide housingof the sliding/hinge apparatus slid;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 39;

FIG. 42 is a cutaway plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the fourth preferredembodiment of the present invention in FIG. 32 showing the slide housingof the sliding/hinge apparatus rotated apart;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a side cross-sectional view showing the construction of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 32;

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of asliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge frame of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is an exploded perspective view showing plates of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is an assembled perspective view showing the sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to thefifth preferred embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 48;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG.51;

FIG. 53 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsshown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a cutaway plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG.52;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus for thesliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the fifth preferredembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 48 showing a slidehousing of the sliding/hinge apparatus after it has been slid;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminal shown in FIG.55;

FIG. 57 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsshown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 58 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG.55;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus for thesliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the fifth preferredembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 48 showing assembly offirst and second plates of the sliding/hinge apparatus;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus for thesliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the fifth preferredembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 48 showing the firstand second plates of the sliding/hinge apparatus after they have beenslid;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the sliding/hinge apparatus for thesliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the fifth preferredembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 48 showing the slidehousing of the sliding/hinge apparatus after it has been rotated;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG.61;

FIG. 63 is a cutaway perspective view showing the interior of thesliding/hinge apparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsshown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of thesliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shownin FIG. 63 indicated as portion A;

FIG. 65 is a plan view showing the interior of the sliding/hingeapparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG.61;

FIG. 66 is a side cross-sectional view showing the construction of thesliding/hinge apparatus for the sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention inFIG. 48;

FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of asliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminalsaccording to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing a sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals, before sliding, according to thesixth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 69 is a rear view of a first housing of a sliding/hinge apparatusfor sliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to the sixthpreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 70 is a front view of a second housing of a sliding/hinge apparatusfor sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, after sliding, according tothe sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 71 is a rear view of the sliding/hinge apparatus forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals shown in FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a front view of the second housing of a sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals, after rotating,according to the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 73 is a front view showing a second housing of a sliding/hingeapparatus for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to thesixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, which has slid inthe same direction as it has rotated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the annexed drawings. In the drawings, the sameor similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals eventhough they are depicted in different drawings.

A description will first be given of a sliding/hinge apparatus 10 forsliding/rotating type mobile terminals according to a first preferredembodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. Asshown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the sliding/hinge apparatus 10 comprises firstand second hinge frames 40 and 50, first and second plates 60 and 70,one or more slide bars 80 and a coupling unit 90.

The first hinge frame 40 is mounted in a body housing 20 of thesliding/rotating type mobile terminal in such a manner that the firsthinge frame 40 is rotatably attached to the second hinge frame 50. Thefirst hinge frame 40 is securely fixed to the body housing 20 by meansof screws 93. The second hinge frame 50 is attached to the first hingeframe 40 while the second hinge frame 50 is opposite to the first hingeframe 40 so that a slide housing 30 of the sliding/rotating type mobileterminal is slid and rotated about a hinge axis A1 (see FIG. 12). Thefirst plate 60 is slidably attached to the second hinge frame 50. Thesecond plate 70 is attached to the first plate 60 in such a manner thatthe second plate 70 is fixed to the slide housing 30 by means of screws93.

The slide bars 80 are disposed between the second hinge frame 50 and thefirst plate 60 such that the slide housing 30 is slidably supported bymeans of the slide bars 80The slide bars 80 are fixed to the first plate60 by means of screws.

The coupling unit 90 is inserted through the center parts of the firstand second hinge frames 40 and 50 so that the first and second hingeframes 40 and 50 are rotatably coupled with each other while beingopposite to each other. The coupling unit 90 comprises a bush 91 and asnap ring 92. Specifically, the bush 91 is inserted through the centerparts of the first and second hinge frames 40 and 50 so that the firstand second hinge frames 40 and 50 are rotatably coupled with each otherwhile being opposite to each other. The snap ring 92 is connected to thelower end of the bush 91 while being inserted through the first andsecond hinge frames 40 and 50. The first hinge frame 40 (FIG. 2)comprises a pair of stoppers 41, a first hinge frame side through-hole42, ball grooves 43, a pair of rotary stoppers 45, one or more screwengaging parts 44 and a ball guide groove 46. The stoppers 41 areprovided at the upper ends of the first hinge frame 40 such thatclearance of the second hinge frame 50 due to rotation of the secondhinge frame 50 is adjusted by means of the stoppers 41. The first hingeframe side through-hole 42 is formed through the center part of thefirst hinge frame 40 so that the bush 91 is inserted through the firsthinge frame side through-hole 42. The ball grooves 43 are formed aroundthe through-hole 42 while being spaced uniformly apart from each otherin the circumferential direction so that a plurality of balls 54 aresecurely located in the ball grooves 43, respectively.

The ball guide groove 46 is formed such that the ball grooves 43 areconnected to each other by means of the ball guide groove 46. The balls54 are guided along the ball guide groove 46. The rotary stoppers 45 areformed at prescribed positions around the ball guide groove 46. Therotary stoppers 45 contact the second hinge frame 50 so that therotation of the slide housing 30 is stopped. The screw engaging parts 44are formed on the first hinge frame 40 so that the screw engaging parts44 are attached to the inside of the body housing 20 by means of thescrews 93 under the condition that the first and second hinge frames 40and 50 are coupled with each other while being opposite to each other.The rotary stoppers 45 are arranged in such a manner that the stoppers45 are diagonally opposite to each other.

The second hinge frame 50 (FIG. 2) comprises a second hinge frame sidethrough-hole 51, a cylinder 52, one or more spring holes 53, one or moreballs 54, a pair of guide grooves 55 and a stopper protrusion 56. Thesecond hinge frame side through-hole 51 is formed through the centerpart of the second hinge frame 50 so that the bush 91 is insertedthrough the second hinge frame side through-hole 51. The cylinder 52 isformed around the through-hole 51 while being extended downward in thedirection of the hinge axis A1 such that the cylinder 52 is opposite tothe ball grooves 43 of the first hinge frame 40. The spring holes 53(FIG. 6) are formed while being spaced uniformly apart from each otherin the circumferential direction such that the balls 54 and compressionsprings 57 are mounted in the corresponding spring holes 53.

The balls 54 are safely placed in the spring holes 53, respectively,such that the balls 54 emerge from the lower ends of the spring holes53, respectively, by means of an elastic force from the compressionsprings 57. The balls 54 are mounted in the corresponding spring holes53 in such a manner that the balls 54 are engaged in the ball grooves 43of the first hinge frame 40, respectively.

The guide grooves 55 are formed at the upper ends of the second hingeframe 50 such that the guide grooves 55 are slidably attached to thefirst slide bar 81 (FIG. 4). The stopper protrusion 56 is formed at oneside of the upper part of the second hinge frame 50. The stopperprotrusion 56 contacts the second slide bar 82 so that the slidingmovement of the slide bars 80 is stopped. The first plate 60 (FIGS. 1,5, 6 and 8-10) comprises a plurality of coupling holes 61, one or morescrew holes 62, a first plate side through-hole 63, supportingprotrusions 64, and a pair of guide holes 65. The plurality of couplingholes 61 are formed around the first plate 60 such that couplingprotrusions 77 formed at the second plate 70 are fixedly engaged in thecoupling holes 61, respectively. The screw holes 62 are formed atprescribed positions of the first plate 60 such that the slide bars 80are fixed by means of the screws 93.

The first plate side through-hole 63 is formed at a prescribed positionof the first plate 60 such that a flexible circuit (not shown)electrically connected to the slide housing 30 can be inserted throughthe first plate side through-hole 63. The supporting protrusions 64 areformed in the longitudinal direction of the first plate 60 such that theslide bars 80 are supported by means of the supporting protrusions 64,respectively.

The guide holes 65 are formed in the longitudinal direction of the firstplate 60 such that ring springs 94, which will be described in greaterdetail below, are guided by means of the guide holes 65. The first plate60 is provided with a plurality of fixing holes 66, which are formed inthe longitudinal direction of the first plate 60 such that protrusionsformed at the slide bars 80 are fixedly engaged in the fixing holes 66,respectively. The second plate 70 (FIGS. 1, 13 and 14) comprises: aplurality of coupling protrusions 77, one or more screw holes 72, a pairof pins 73, and a second plate side through-hole 74. The couplingprotrusions 77 are formed around the second plate 70 such that thecoupling protrusions 77 are fixedly engaged in the coupling holes 61 ofthe first plate 60, respectively. A plurality of screws 93 are engagedin the screw holes 72, respectively, so that the second plate 70 isfixed to the sliding housing 30. The pins 73 are formed at prescribedpositions of the second plate 70 such that the pins 73 are connected toring springs 94, which will be described in greater detail below,respectively.

The second plate side through-hole 74 is formed at a prescribed positionof the second plate 70 such that a flexible circuit (not shown)electrically connected to the slide housing 30 can be inserted throughthe second plate side through-hole 74. Between the first and secondplates 60 and 70 are disposed a pair of ring springs 94 for providing anelastic force, by which the slide housing 30 is semi-automatically slid.

One end 94 a of each of the ring springs 94 is inserted through thecorresponding guide hole 65 formed at the first plate 60 (FIG. 4) suchthat the end 94 a is engaged in a supporting groove 58 formed at theupper end of the second hinge frame 50. Consequently, the end 94 a ofeach of the ring springs 94 is moved along the guide hole 65 when theslide housing 30 is slid. The other end 94 b of each of the ring springs94 is connected to the corresponding pin 73 formed at the second plate70, by which each of the ring springs 94 is supported. The slide bar 80(FIG. 1) comprises first slide bars 81, a second slide bar 82, and thirdslide bars 83.

The first slide bars 81 are formed in the longitudinal directions of thefirst and second plates 60 and 70 such that the first slide bars 81 areslid while being engaged in the guide grooves 55 formed at the secondhinge frame 50. The second slide bar 82 is connected to one end of eachof the first slide bars 81 such that the first slide bars 81 aresupported by means of the second slide bar 82 and the second slide bar82 contacts the stopper protrusion 56 of the second hinge frame 50, bywhich the sliding movement of the slide bar 80 is stopped. The thirdslide bars 83 is connected to the other end of each of the first slidebars 81 such that the first slide bars 81 are supported by means of thethird slide bars 83, respectively.

The operation of the sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating typemobile terminals with the above-described construction according to thefirst preferred embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. Asshown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the sliding type mobile terminal includes a bodyhousing 20, having a keypad 21 comprising a plurality of keys disposedthereon, and a slide housing 30, having a liquid crystal display unit 31disposed thereon. At a prescribed position of the upper part of the bodyhousing 20 is formed a mounting hole 22, in which the first and secondhinge frames 40 and 50 are mounted, as shown in FIG. 1.

The first hinge frame 40 of the sliding/hinge apparatus 10 of thesliding/rotating type mobile terminal is fixed to the body housing 20 bymeans of screws. On the upper part of the first hinge frame 40 isdisposed the second hinge frame 50 while the second hinge frame 50 isopposite to the first hinge frame 40 in such a manner that the slidehousing 30 is slid and rotated about the hinge axis A1. Through thecenter parts of the first and second hinge frames 40 and 50 are insertedthe bush 91, by which the first and second hinge frame 40 and 50 arerotatably connected to each other while being opposite to each other, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The snap ring is fitted 92 in a fitting grooveformed at the lower end of the bush 91. Through the center parts of thefirst and second hinge frames 40 and 50 are formed the first and secondhinge frame side through-holes 42 and 51, through which the bush 91 isinserted.

At the upper ends of the first hinge frame 40 are formed a pair ofstoppers 41 for controlling clearance of the second hinge frame 50 dueto the rotation thereof (FIG. 4). To the upper part of the second hingeframe 50 is attached the first plate 60 in such a manner that the slidehousing 30 is slid, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

When the slide housing 30 is slid from the body housing 20 in thelongitudinal direction thereof as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the firstslide bars 81 are slid along the guide grooves 55, respectively, sincethe pair of first slide bars 81, which are engaged in the pair of guidegrooves 55 formed at the upper part of the second hinge frame 50, aredisposed between the second hinge frame 50 and the first plate 60.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pair of ring springs 94 that are capable ofproviding an elastic force, by which the slide housing 30 issemi-automatically slid, are mounted in the first and second plates 60and 70. Consequently, the slide housing 30 is semi-automatically slid bymeans of the elastic force of the ring springs 94.

As shown in FIG. 9, one end 94 a of each of the ring springs 94 isinserted through the corresponding guide hole 65 of the first plate 60so that the end 94 a is engaged in the supporting groove 58 formed atthe upper part of the second hinge frame 50, and the other end 94 b ofeach of the ring springs 94 is connected to the corresponding pin 73formed at the second plate 70, so that the ring springs 94semi-automatically provide the elastic force.

As shown in Fig, 10, the first slide bars 81 are formed in thelongitudinal direction of the plates, and the first slide bars 81 areconnected to each other at one end of each thereof by means of thesecond slide bar 82. The first slide bars 81 are provided at the otherend of each thereof with the third slide bars 83, respectively. As shownin FIG. 11, the second hinge frame 50 is provided at one side of theupper part thereof with the stopper protrusion 56, by which the movementof the slide bar is stopped.

When the slide housing 30 is slid and then rotated as shown in FIG. 12,the slide housing 30 is placed on the body housing 20 in the shape of a“T”. One or more ball grooves 43, in which the balls 54 are securelylocated, are formed around the first hinge frame side through-hole 42while being spaced uniformly apart from each other in thecircumferential direction thereof as shown in FIG. 9. Consequently, theballs 54 are securely located in the ball grooves 43, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 14, the cylinder 52 is formed on the secondhinge frame 50 in such a manner that it extends downward in thedirection of the hinge axis A1. At the lower part of the cylinder 52 areformed one or more spring holes 53, which are arranged around thecylinder 52 while being spaced uniformly apart from each other in thecircumferential direction. The compression springs 57 are mounted in thespring holes 53, respectively. To the lower ends of the compressionsprings 53 are connected the balls 54 which are selectively engaged withand are securely located in the ball grooves 43 of the first hinge frame40 such that the balls 54 emerge from the lower ends of the spring holes53, respectively, by means of the elastic force from the compressionsprings 57.

When the slide housing 30 is rotated as shown in FIG. 13, the balls 54are separated from the corresponding ball grooves 43, and are theninserted into other different ball grooves 43, respectively. As theslide housing 30 is rotated, the ball guide groove 46 connected to therespective ball grooves 43 is provided for guiding the movement of theballs 54. Consequently, the balls 54 are guided along the ball guidegroove 46 when the balls 54 are moved to the ball grooves 43.

At prescribed positions around the ball guide groove 46 are formed thepair of rotary stoppers 45, which contact the second hinge frame 50 forstopping the rotation of the slide housing 30, as shown in FIG. 9.Consequently, the rotary stoppers 45 contact the second hinge frame 50with the result that the rotation of the slide housing 30 is stopped.The elastic force applied to the balls 54 by means of the compressionsprings 57 engage the balls 54 into or disengage them from the ballgrooves 43.

Operation of a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals according to a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to26. As shown in FIG. 15, the sliding type mobile terminal includes abody housing 20, having a keypad 21 comprising a plurality of keysdisposed thereon, and a slide housing 30, having a liquid crystaldisplay unit 31 disposed thereon. At a prescribed position of the upperpart of the body housing 20 is formed a mounting hole 22, in which firstand second hinge frames 40 and 50 are mounted. As shown in FIGS. 15 and16, a first hinge frame 100 of the sliding/hinge apparatus of thesliding/rotating type mobile terminal is fixed to the body housing 20 bymeans of screws 93. Through the center part of the first hinge frame 100is formed a first hinge frame side through-hole 102.

At the upper ends of the first hinge frame 100 are formed one or morescrew engaging parts 104 so that the screw engaging parts 104 areattached to the inside of the body housing 20 by means of the screws 93.

At the upper part of the first hinge frame 100 is disposed a secondhinge frame 200. The second hinge frame 200 is opposite to the firsthinge frame 100 in such a manner that the slide housing 30 can be slidand rotated about a hinge axis A1. At the center part of the secondhinge frame 200 is formed a cylindrical hinge housing 201, as shown inFIGS. 16 and 22, which extends downward in the direction of the hingeaxis A1 of the hinge frame, so that the first and second hinge frames100 and 200 are rotatably connected to each other while being oppositeto each other. Through the center part of the first hinge frame 100 isformed the first hinge frame side through-hole 102, through which thecylindrical hinge housing 201 is inserted.

A snap ring 500 is fitted in a fitting groove formed at the lower end ofthe cylindrical hinge housing 201 , as shown in FIG. 18, so that thefirst hinge frame 100 is connected to the second hinge frame 200 whilethe first hinge frame 100 is opposite to the second hinge frame 200.

At the upper ends of the first hinge frame 40 are formed a pair ofstoppers 101 for controlling clearance of the second hinge frame 200 dueto the rotation thereof. To the upper part of the second hinge frame 200is attached a first plate 60 in such a manner that the slide housing 30can be slid, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21. The first plate 60 is fixed tothe slide housing 30 by means of screws 93.

When the slide housing 30 is slid from the body housing 20 in thelongitudinal direction thereof, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, a pair offirst slide bars 301 are slid along a pair of guide grooves 204 formedat the upper part of the second hinge frame 200, respectively, since thefirst slide bars 301 are engaged in the pair of guide grooves 204 whilebeing disposed between the second hinge frame 200 and the first plate60.

As shown in FIG. 25, the second hinge frame 200 is provided at one sideof the upper part thereof with a stopper protrusion 205, which contactsthe second slide bar 302 for stopping the movement of a slide bar 300.When the slide housing 30 is slid and then rotated as shown in FIG. 24,the slide housing 30 is placed on the body housing 20 in the shape of a“T”.

Between the first and second hinge frames 100 and 200 is provided arotary washer 400 so that the second hinge frame 200 is rotated whilebeing opposite to the first hinge frame 100, as shown in FIG. 25. Insidethe rotary washer 400 are formed a pair of fixing protrusions 402, whichare securely fitted in fixing grooves 201 a formed at the cylindricalhinge housing 201, respectively. Consequently, the fixing protrusions402 are securely fitted in the corresponding fixing holes 201 a (FIG.26).

The rotary washer 400 is provided with one or more washer protrusions401, which are spaced uniformly apart from each other in thecircumferential direction of the washer 400, so that the washerprotrusions 401 are engaged in washer grooves 103 formed at the firsthinge frame 100.

Between the second hinge frame 200 and the rotary washer 400 is disposeda compression spring 600, as shown in FIG. 26. The washer protrusions401 are securely located in the corresponding washer grooves 103 of thefirst hinge frame 100. The compression spring 600 generates an elasticforce by which the washer protrusions 401 are engaged in or disengagedfrom the washer grooves 103, respectively. When the slide housing 30 isrotated, the cylindrical hinge housing 201 is rotated. As a result, therotary washer 400 is rotated.

At prescribed positions outside the washer grooves 103 are formed a pairof rotary stoppers 105, as shown in FIG. 16, which contact the secondhinge frame 200 for stopping the rotation of the slide housing 30. Whenthe slide housing 30 rotates, the washer protrusions 401 of the rotarywasher 400 are separated from an initial set of corresponding washergrooves 103, and are then inserted into a different set of correspondingwasher grooves 103, respectively.

An elastic force is applied to the rotary washer 400 by means of thecompression spring 600 in such a manner that the washer protrusions 401are engaged into and disengaged from the corresponding washer grooves103, while the slide housing 30 is being rotated.

Operation of a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals according to a third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 27 to31. As shown in FIG. 27, the sliding type mobile terminal includes abody housing 20, having a keypad 21 comprising a plurality of keysdisposed thereon, and a slide housing 30, having a liquid crystaldisplay unit 31 disposed thereon. A first hinge frame 40 of thesliding/hinge apparatus 10 of the sliding/rotating type mobile terminalis fixed to the body housing 20 by means of screws 93.

At the upper part of the first hinge frame 40 is disposed a second hingeframe 50 while the second hinge frame 50 is opposite to the first hingeframe 40 in such a manner that the slide housing 30 can be slid androtated about a hinge axis A1. Through the center parts of the first andsecond hinge frames 40 and 50 is inserted a bush 91 so that the firstand second hinge frames 40 and 50 are coupled with each other while theyare opposite to each other, as shown in FIG. 28. In a fitting groove atthe lower end of the bush 91 is fitted a snap ring 92. To the upper partof the second hinge frame 50 is attached a first plate 60 in such amanner that the slide housing 30 is slid. The first plate 60 is fixed tothe slide housing 30 by means of screws 93.

When the slide housing 30 is slid from the body housing 20 in thelongitudinal direction thereof as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a pair offirst slide bars 81 are slid along a pair of guide grooves 55 formed atthe upper part of the second hinge frame 50, respectively, since thefirst slide bars 301 are engaged in the pair of guide grooves 55 whilebeing disposed between the second hinge frame 50 and the first plate 60.Between the first and second plates 60 and 70 are disposed a pair ofring springs 94 for providing an elastic force, by which the slidehousing 30 is semi-automatically slid.

As shown in FIG. 29, one end 94 a of each of the ring springs 94 isinserted through the corresponding one of the guide holes 65 of thefirst plate 60 such that the end 94 a is engaged in a supporting groove58 formed at the upper end of the second hinge frame 50, and the otherend 94 b of each of the ring springs 94 is connected to thecorresponding one of pins 73 formed at the second plate 60.Consequently, the elastic force is semi-automatically provided by meansof the ring springs 94.

At a prescribed position of the first hinge frame 40 is formed a guidepin 2000, which is slidably moved. At the first plate 60 is formed a pinguide hole 1000, in which the guide pin 2000 is disposed in such amanner that the guide pin 2000 is slid and rotated. When it is slid andthen rotated as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the slide housing 30 is placedon the body housing 20 in the shape of a “T”. When the slide housing 30slides and rotates, the guide pin 2000 is slid along the pin guide hole1000, as shown in FIG. 30. The upper part of the pin guide hole 1000 isformed with a prescribed length in the longitudinal direction of thefirst plate 60. Consequently, the guide pin 2000 can be slid along thepin guide hole 1000.

The lower part of the pin guide hole 1000 is curved such that the slidehousing is rotated. Consequently, the guide pin 2000 is guided along thecurved lower part of the pin guide hole 1000 so that the slide housingis rotated, when the slide housing 30 is rotated as shown in FIG. 31.

Operation of a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 32 to47. As shown in FIG. 32, a first hinge frame 3000 of the sliding/hingeapparatus 10 for sliding/rotating type mobile terminals is fixed to abody housing 20 by fitting screws 930 in screw fitting parts 4005. Atthe upper part of the first hinge frame 3000 is disposed a second hingeframe 4000, while the second hinge frame 4000 is opposite to the firsthinge frame 3000 in such a manner that a slide housing is rotated abouta hinge axis A1, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 34.

At the center part of the second hinge frame 4000 is formed a cylinder4002, as shown in FIG. 33, which extends downward in the direction ofthe hinge axis A1, so that the first and second hinge frames 3000 and4000 are rotatably connected to each other while being opposite to eachother. Through the center part of the first hinge frame 3000 is formed afirst hinge frame side through-hole 3001, through which the cylinder4002 is inserted. A snap ring 4007 is fitted in a fitting groove formedat the lower end of the cylinder 4002.

Through the center part of the second hinge frame 4000 is formed asecond hinge frame side through-hole 4001, through which a flexiblecircuit (not shown) can be inserted, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. At aprescribed position of the second plate 6000 is formed a second plateside through-hole 6004, through which the flexible circuit is inserted.Also, at prescribed positions of both sides of the second plate 6000 areformed second plate side screw holes 6005, which are arranged in thelongitudinal direction of the plate 6000 so that the second plate 6000is fixed to the slide housing by fitting screws 930 in the second plateside screw holes 6005.

As shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, the first plate 5000 is fixed to the secondhinge frame 4000 by means of screws, and a first slide bar 7000 and asecond slide bar 8000 are fixed to both sides of the first plate 5000 bymeans of screws 930. At both sides of the first plate 5000 are formedbar fixing parts 5001, which are disposed in the longitudinal directionof the slide housing 30. To the bar fixing parts 5001 are fixed theslide bars 7000 and 8000 by means of screws 930. When the slide housing30 is slid as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the first and second slide bars7000 and 8000 of the first plate 5000 are slid along guide grooves 6001formed at the second plate 6000.

As shown in FIG. 41, the first slide bar 7000 is provided at one sidethereof with a guide protrusion 7001, which is formed in thelongitudinal direction of the plate 5000. Similarly, the second slidebar 8000 is provided at one side thereof with a guide protrusion 8001,which is formed in the longitudinal direction of the plate 5000. Theguide protrusions 7001 and 8001 are disposed in the guide grooves 6001in such a manner that the guide protrusions 7001 and 8001 are slid.

As shown in FIG. 42, the first hinge frame 3000 is provided at aprescribed position thereof with a pin hole 3005, in which a guide pin9000 can move slidably along a guide 6002 formed at the second plate6000 is fitted. The guide pin 9000 fitted in the pin hole 3005 islinearly slid along the guide 6002.

The upper part 6002 a of the guide 6002 is formed with a prescribedlength in the longitudinal direction of the second plate 6000 so thatthe guide pine 9000 is linearly slid along thereof. A pair of ringsprings 940 are disposed, as shown in FIG. 42, between the first andsecond plates 5000 and 6000 for providing an elastic force, by which theslide housing 30 is semi-automatically slid. Through one end of each ofthe ring springs 940 is inserted a rivet pin 950 (FIG. 34), which isfitted in a rivet pin hole 5004 formed at the first plate 5000. Theother end of each of the ring springs 940 is inserted through a springinsertion hole 603 formed at the second plate 6000. When the slidehousing 30 is slid and then rotated as shown in FIG. 43, the slidehousing 30 is placed on the body housing in the shape of a “T”.

As shown in FIGS. 33, 37 and 44 to 46, one or more ball grooves 3002 areformed around the first hinge frame side through-hole 3001 , which arearranged while being spaced uniformly apart from each other in acircumferential manner, so that balls 4004 are securely located in theball grooves 3002, respectively. As shown in FIG. 45, a ball guidegroove 3003 is formed such that the ball grooves 43 are connected toeach other by means of the ball guide groove 3003. The balls 4004 areguided along the ball guide groove 3003.

Inside the lower ends of the cylinder 4002 of the second hinge frame4000 are provided compression springs 570, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 47.Around the cylinder 4002 are formed a pair of spring holes 4003, whichare opposite to each other. In the pair of spring holes 4003 aredisposed a pair of balls 4004, respectively, such that the balls 4006emerge from the lower ends of the spring holes 4003, respectively, bymeans of an elastic force from the compression springs 570. The balls4004 are mounted in the corresponding spring holes 4003 in such a mannerthat the balls 4004 are selectively engaged in the ball grooves 3002(FIG. 37) of the first hinge frame 3000, respectively.

When the slide housing is rotated as shown in FIG. 45, the balls 4004are separated from an initial set of corresponding ball grooves 3002,and are then inserted into a different set of corresponding ball grooves3002, respectively. When the slide housing is rotated, the balls 4004are guided along the ball guide groove 3003 connected to the ballgrooves 3002.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, a pair of fixing parts 4005 is formedaround the second hinge frame 4000, which are fixed to the first plate5000, so that the first plate 5000 is securely fixed to the fixing parts4005. Each of the fixing parts 4005 is provided with a fixing protrusion4005 a. The first plate 5000 is provided with fixing holes 5002, inwhich the fixing protrusions 4005 a are fitted, respectively.

At both sides of each of the fixing protrusion 4005 a are formed one ormore fitting grooves 4005 b, in which one or more screw fitting parts5003 are formed at the first plate 5000. In each of the fitting grooves4005 b is formed a screw hole 4005 c. The screw fitting parts 5003extend downwards from the first plate 5000 so that the screw fittingparts 5003 are fitted in the fitting grooves 4005 b of the second hingeframe 4000, respectively. At one side of each of the fixing parts 4005is formed a stopper 4006, which contacts the stopper protrusion 3004 ofthe first hinge frame 3000 for stopping the rotation of the slidehousing 30. The stopper 4006 contacts the stopper protrusion 3004,whereby rotation of the slide housing 30 is stopped. As shown in FIG.46, the guide pin 9000 is rotated along the curved lower part 6002 b ofthe guide 6002.

Operation of a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating type mobileterminals according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 48 to66. As shown in FIGS. 48 to 50, the sliding/rotating type mobileterminal comprises a body housing 20 and a slide housing 30. Thesliding/hinge apparatus of the sliding/rotating type mobile terminalcomprises first and second hinge frames 1 and 2, first and second plates3 and 4, a guide unit 5, and a guide pin 6. The first hinge frame 1 isinserted into a housing side insertion groove 24 formed at a prescribedposition of the upper surface of the body housing 20.

Along the outer edges of the second hinge frame 2 are formed one or morescrew coupling holes 2 f, through which screws 930 are inserted so thatthe second hinge frame 2 is attached to the first plate 3 by means ofthe screws 930. The screws 930 protrude from the corresponding screwcoupling holes 2 f, and are securely inserted into one or more screwholes 3 c formed at the first plate 3.

As shown in FIGS. 49 and 64, one or more screw grooves 25 are formedalong the outer edge of the housing side insertion groove 24 while beinguniformly spaced apart from each other. Screw coupling parts le formedat the first hinge frame 1 are inserted into the screw grooves 25,respectively, and the screws 930 are inserted into the screw couplingparts 1 e of the first hinge frame 1.

At the lower surface of the first plate 3 are formed one or more screwsupporting protrusions 3 h for supporting the screw holes, respectively,as shown in FIG. 59. One or more coupling protrusions 2 g formed at thesecond hinge frame 2 are inserted into one or more plate side fixingholes 3 d formed at prescribed positions of the first plate 3,respectively.

At prescribed positions of the first plate 3 are formed a pair of rivetpin grooves 3 e, through which rivet pins 950 are inserted so that oneend of each ring spring 940 is fixed by means of the rivet pins insertedthrough the rivet pin grooves 3 e. The ring springs 940 are arrangedsuch that the end of each ring spring 940 is exactly located in thecorresponding rivet pin groove 3 e, and then the rivet pins 950 aresecurely inserted into the rivet pin grooves 3 e, respectively.

At both sides of the first and second plates 3 and 4 there is provided aguide unit 5, by which the second plate 4 can be slid. The guide unit 5comprises guide protrusions 5 a formed at first and second slide bars 3a and 3 b of the first plate 3 and guide rails 5 b formed at the secondplate 4.

The first and second slide bars 3 a and 3 b are formed at both sides ofthe first plate 3 in the longitudinal direction of the slide housing 30.The guide protrusions 5 a are protruded toward the inside part of thefirst plate 3. The second plate 4 is inserted between the first andsecond slide bars 3 a and 3 b. The guide rails 5 b formed at both sidesof the second plate 4 are engaged with the guide protrusions 5 a,respectively, such that the guide rails 5 b can be slid. At prescribedpositions of the second plate 4 are formed spring fixing holes 4 d,which are connected to the other end of each ring spring 940. Attachedto both ends of the first and second slide bars 3 a and 3 b areshock-absorbing members 7, which absorb shock caused due to contact ofthe plates 3 and 4 and the slide housing 30 when the plates 3 and 4 areslid. The shock-absorbing members 7 are attached to the first and secondslide bars 3 a and 3 b in the longitudinal directions of the first andsecond slide bars 3 a and 3 b, respectively.

The second hinge frame 2 is mounted on the upper surface of the firsthinge frame 1 in such a manner that the second hinge frame 2 can berotated about a hinge axis A1 while the second hinge frame 2 is oppositeto the first hinge frame 1. Formed at the lower surface of the firsthinge frame 1 are one or more fixing protrusions 1 f, which are securelyinserted into one or more fixing holes 26 formed in the housing sideinsertion groove 24, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 48, 53 and 64, a cylinder 2 b is formed at the centerpart of the second hinge frame 2. The cylinder 2 b extends downward inthe direction of the hinge axis A1 so that the first and second hingeframes 1 and 2 can be rotatably coupled with each other while the firstand second hinge frames 1 and 2 are opposite to each other. The cylinder2 b is inserted through a first hinge frame side through-hole 1 a formedat the center part of the first hinge frame 1, and then a stopper ring4007 is fitted in a fitting groove formed at one end of the cylinder 2b. At the upper surface of the stopper ring 4007 is disposed afriction-preventing ring 8, which prevents friction due to rotation ofthe slide housing 30.

At the center part of the second hinge frame 2 is formed a second hingeframe side through-hole 2 a, through which a flexible circuit (notshown) is inserted. Formed at a prescribed position of the second plate4 is a second plate side through-hole 4 e, through which the flexiblecircuit is inserted.

As shown in FIGS. 48 and 50, second plate side screw holes 4 f areformed at prescribed positions of both sides of the second plate 4 inthe longitudinal direction of the plate 4. The second plate 4 isattached to the slide housing 30 by inserting the screws 930 into thesecond plate side screw holes 4 f. When the slide housing 30 is slid asshown in FIG. 55, the guide rails 5 b formed at the first plate 3 areguided along the guide protrusions 5 a formed at the first and secondslide bars 3 a and 3 b.

A stopper pin 6 is formed at a prescribed position of the upper surfaceof the body housing, as shown in FIGS. 56 and 57 by which the secondplate 4 can be slid and rotated, and the slid and rotated second plate 4can be stopped. The stopper pin 6 contacts a straight guide part 4 a,which is formed at the second plate 4 so that the second plate 4 can beguided by means of the stopper pin 6 when the second plate 4 is slid.

As shown in FIG. 58, a pair of ring springs 940 is disposed between thefirst and second plates 3 and 4 for providing an elastic force by whichthe sliding housing 30 can be semi-automatically slid. One end of eachring spring 940, through which the corresponding rivet pin 950 isinserted, is securely fitted in the corresponding rivet pin groove 3 eformed at the first plate 3 (FIG. 48). The other end of each ring spring940 is fixedly inserted into a corresponding spring side fixing hole 4 dformed at the second plate 4.

At one end of the first plate 3 is formed a stopper part 3 g, whichstops the sliding movement of the slide housing 30 when the stopper part3 g contacts the inside of the slide housing 30, as shown in FIGS. 59and 60. When the second plate 4 is moved as the slide housing 30 isslid, the inside of the slide housing 30 contacts the stopper part 3 g,and at the same time the sliding movement of the slide housing 30 isstopped.

Latching protrusions 4 c are formed at the lower ends of the guide parts4 a and 4 b, as shown in FIG. 60, which are engaged with a latchingmember 3 f of the first plate 3.When the slide housing 30 is slid andthen rotated as shown in FIG. 61, the sliding housing 30 and the bodyhousing 20 are arranged in the shape of a “T”.

A ball guide groove 1 b is formed around the first hinge frame sidethrough-hole 1 a, in the circumferential direction thereof, as shown inFIGS. 62 to 64, along which a ball 2 d is guided so that the slidehousing 30 can be rotated. The ball 2 d, which is provided in the secondhinge frame 2, is guided along the ball guide grooves 1 b, whereby thesecond hinge frame 2 is rotated. At both ends of the ball guide groove 1b are formed ball grooves 1 c, respectively, in which the ball 2 d issecurely located, as shown in FIGS. 63 and 64. The ball 2 d isdisengaged from one of the ball grooves 1 c, moved along the ball guidedgroove 1 b, and engaged into the other ball groove 1 c, so that therotatability of the second hinge frame 2 is improved.

A spring hole 2 c is formed at the position next to the cylinder 2 b ofthe second hinge frame 2 having a compression spring 570 disposedtherein, as shown in FIG. 64. The ball 2 d is disposed in the springhole 2 c such that the ball 2 d emerges from the lower end of the springhole 2 c by means of the elastic force of the compression spring 570.The ball 2 d is securely located in the ball guide groove 1 b or theball grooves 1 c so that the slide housing 30 can be rotated or therotation of the slide housing 30 can be stopped, respectively.

A stopper hole 2 e is formed between the second hinge frame sidethrough-hole 2 a and the spring hole 2 c, along the circumference of thethrough-hole 2 a, in which a stopper protrusion Id is engaged so thatthe slide housing 30 is guided and simultaneously the rotation of theslide housing 30 is stopped. When the slide housing 30 is rotated asshown in FIG. 65, the slide housing 30 is rotated along a curved guidepart 4 b formed at the second plate 4.

The plates 3 and 4 can be slid and rotated by means of the stopper pin 6formed at the body housing 20. Also, the slid and rotated plates 3 and 4are stopped by means of the stopper pin 6. An engaging surface 4 c isformed at one end of the second plate 4, in which the stopper pin 6 issecurely located. When the stopper pin 6 is securely located in theengaging surface 4 c, the sliding movement and rotation of the plates 3and 4 are stopped.

The body housing 20 is provided with a microphone unit 23 and aplurality of keypads 21. The body housing 20 is also provided with aplurality of auxiliary keypads 22, which are arranged adjacent to thekeypads 21. The sliding housing 30 is provided with a plurality ofauxiliary keypads 33 and a speaker unit 32.

The operation of a sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/rotating typemobile terminals according to a sixth preferred embodiment of thepresent invention will now be described in greater detail with referenceto FIGS. 67 to 73.

As shown in FIG. 67, the sliding/hinge apparatus for sliding/hinge typemobile terminals includes first and second housings 11′ and 12′extending in the longitudinal direction, a sliding module 12′a, and arotating module 11′a.

As shown in FIGS. 68 and 72, the first housing 11′ is positioned to facethe back surface of the second housing 12′. The second housing 12′ isadapted to slide while facing the first housing 11′ and rotate about apredetermined axis.

As shown in FIG. 70, the first housing 11′ has a main keypad 11′dincluding a number of keys, which are exposed as the second housing 12′slides, and a microphone device 11′c positioned on the front surfacethereof. As shown in FIG. 69, the first housing 11′ has a camera lensmodule 11′e positioned on the rear surface thereof.

As shown in FIG. 67, the sliding module 12′a is fastened to the backsurface of the second housing 12′ so that it can slide. The rotatingmodule 11′a is rotatably coupled to the sliding module 12′a and alsofastened to the top surface of the first housing 11′.

As shown in FIG. 70, the sliding module 12′a slides the second housing12′ away from the first housing 11′ in the longitudinal direction froman initial position to a final position. As shown in FIG. 72, aftersliding the second housing to the final position, the rotating module11′ rotates the second housing 12′ about a predetermined axis.

As shown in FIG. 72, the first housing 11′ has an auxiliary keypad 1′bpositioned on the front surface thereof, which is exposed as the secondhousing 12′ rotates.

The first and second housings 11′ and 12′ are positioned in a T-shapedconfiguration.

The second housing 12′ has a pair of stereo speaker devices 12′bpositioned on both ends thereof, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 70, the second housing 12′ has a main display device12′c positioned on the front surface thereof, which is always exposed.As shown in FIG. 71, the second housing 12′c has an auxiliary displaydevice 12′d positioned on the rear surface thereof, which is used todisplay the same type of images and characters as displayed on the maindisplay device 12′c when the second housing 12′ is slid.

The auxiliary display device 12′d may be made of a reflection plate.

After the second housing 12′ is rotated about the predetermined axis, asshown in FIG. 73, it is slid in a direction substantially perpendicularto the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction). Then, the firstand second housings 11′ and 12′ are positioned in a Γ-shapedconfiguration.

As shown in FIGS. 68 and 73, the second housing 12′ slides in adirection substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction(horizontal direction) until reaching the final position, where it againrotates about the predetermined axis to be folded onto the top surfaceof the first housing 11′ while facing it.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventionas disclosed in the accompanying claims. For example, as those skilledin the art can appreciate, the embodiments of the present inventiondiscussed above are applicable to any portable terminals.

1. A sliding/rotating type portable communication apparatus comprising:a first housing; and a second housing adapted to slide while facing thefirst housing and rotate about a predetermined axis.
 2. The apparatus asset forth in claim 1, further comprising: a sliding module positionedbetween the first and second housings to slide the second housing; and arotating module adapted to guide the sliding of the sliding module and,after the sliding is over, rotate the sliding module about thepredetermined axis.
 3. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 2, whereinthe sliding module is fastened to the back surface of the second housingand the rotating module is fastened to the upper surface of the firsthousing.
 4. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 1, wherein the secondhousing is adapted to rotate while continuously facing the firsthousing.
 5. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 1, wherein the firsthousing has a main keypad exposed as the second housing slides and anauxiliary keypad exposed as the second housing rotates.
 6. The apparatusas set fourth in claim 1, wherein the first and second housings arepositioned substantially perpendicular to each other as the secondhousing rotates.
 7. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 5, wherein thefirst and second housings are positioned in a T-shaped configuration. 8.The apparatus as set fourth in claim 1, wherein the second housing isadapted to slide while facing the first housing, rotate about thepredetermined axis, and slide in the horizontal direction.
 9. Theapparatus as set fourth in claim 8, wherein the first and secondhousings are positioned in a Γ-shaped configuration.
 10. The apparatusas set fourth in claim 1, wherein the second housing is adapted torotate about the predetermined axis, slide in the horizontal directionto a final position, and rotate again to be folded on the first housing.11. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 10, wherein the second housinghas a pair of stereo speaker devices positioned on both ends thereof,respectively.
 12. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 1, wherein thesecond housing has a main display device positioned on the front surfacethereof, which is always exposed, and an auxiliary display devicepositioned on the rear surface thereof, which is exposed to the exterioras the second housing is slid and rotated.
 13. The apparatus as setfourth in claim 12, wherein the auxiliary display device is made of areflection plate.
 14. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 1, whereinthe first housing has a microphone device positioned on the frontsurface thereof and a camera lens module positioned on the lower surfacethereof.
 15. A sliding/rotating type portable communication apparatuscomprising: a first housing; a second housing; a sliding modulepositioned between the first and second housings, the sliding modulebeing adapted to allow the second housing to slide with respect to thefirst housing between an initial position and a final position; and arotating module positioned between the first and second housings, therotating module being adapted to allow the second housing to rotate withrespect to the first housing about a predetermined axis.
 16. Theapparatus as set fourth in claim 15, wherein the sliding module isfastened to the back surface of the second housing and the rotatingmodule is fastened to the upper surface of the first housing.
 17. Theapparatus as set fourth in claim 15, wherein the first and secondhousings are positioned substantially perpendicular to each other as thesecond housing rotates.
 18. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 15,wherein the second housing is adapted to slide while facing the firsthousing, rotate about the predetermined axis, and slide in thehorizontal direction.
 19. The apparatus as set fourth in claim 15,wherein the second housing is adapted to rotate about the predeterminedaxis, slide in the horizontal direction to the final position, androtate again to be folded on the first housing.
 20. The apparatus as setfourth in claim 15, wherein the second housing has a pair of stereospeaker devices positioned on both ends thereof, respectively.